When One Door Opens by JD Ruskin Read Free Book Online Page B

should. But he was supposed to be helping Caleb, not making it easier for some asshole to walk in and rob the place. “Even in this neighborhood, you need to know who you’re letting inside.”
    Caleb nodded distractedly and turned back toward the desk. “Since it looks like you’re keeping the job, I need you to fill out a tax document.” He grabbed a manila folder and directed Logan to take a seat.
    Logan sat on the butter-soft leather couch, angling his body toward Caleb when he joined him. “Your uncle said this was off the books.”
    “Tax evasion is a federal offense.” Caleb said, his voice filled with reproach. “You can’t afford to take that risk.”
    The tone rather than the words catapulted Logan back to his life before prison. He sounds like Michael. He shook off the thought, refusing to go there. He needed to focus on the here and now. He certainly didn’t want to do anything to violate his parole agreement, but he was barely getting by now. He paid supervision fees to the state in addition to his living expenses. They had taken his truck and his savings when he’d been convicted in order to pay restitution. God help me if Uncle Sam takes another cut. “Can’t I put it off until April? It’s not like I’m bringing in six figures.” In six months, he’d likely have a permanent full-time shift if he managed to avoid doing something stupid. Like jump his boss’s nephew.
    Caleb handed him a half-sheet of paper. “All I need you to do is fill out this W4 form. My uncle promised you a hundred a week. I’ll cover the taxes.”
    “More hazard pay?” Logan wasn’t sure how he felt about that. It seemed too much like charity. He doubted Caleb had paid Marco’s taxes, since Klass hadn’t mentioned it.
    “It’s not your fault my uncle didn’t think about the tax implications. I also want to give you this.” Caleb handed Logan a sealed envelope with his signature written across the back. “This is a statement of employment for your parole officer.” He handed Logan a sheet of paper. “Here’s your copy. It lets them know you work for me on a part-time basis.”
    Logan hadn’t even thought about how he’d explain the job to his PO. His parole agreement required he disclose his job information, but Logan had been reluctant to tell Dabb about it, hoping to put it off until his monthly review. But his PO would likely know the package handler job wasn’t enough to survive on. Jesus . He could have screwed himself if Dabb thought he was bringing in money on the side. He’d think it was drugs. No doubt about it. Dabb had said to think of him as a stalker. He’d be watching Logan to make sure he followed the conditions of the parole. He could be lurking nearby right now. Logan cleared his throat. “My PO, John Dabb, might want to meet with you. I know he’s planning on seeing Klass this week.”
    Caleb’s eyes widened, and he started chewing on a fingernail. “I c-could do that. I l-listed my c-contact information.”
    Logan hated hearing how distressed Caleb sounded, knowing he was the cause. A guy trapped in his apartment 24/7 felt sorry enough for him to swallow his own fear. Damned if that didn’t sting. The thought threw him for a moment. He hadn’t realized his pride had survived prison. He hadn’t gotten a spotless record without sacrificing it on a daily basis. His pride was a big part of why he’d ended up there in the first place, refusing to ask for help when he needed it and pretending he had everything under control. He didn’t want to be that man again, but he also didn’t want to be anybody’s charity case, and least of all Caleb’s. The man in question had gone real quiet, likely confused by why his generous offer had been met with brooding. “Appreciate the offer, but I don’t want to owe what I can’t repay.”
    “Oh!” Caleb’s arms flew up. “A favor. You could do me a favor, so we’d be even.”
    “What favor?”
    “Pizza,” he said